A source of info for people interested in 3D design and its applications for education and for design pros.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Free Version of SightSpace 3D: SightSpace Free D

Back in April, I blogged about SightSpace 3D, a SketchUp viewer that works on the iPad, iPhone, and Kindle Fire.The full version was and is $14.99, but now Limitless Computing has released a free version, called (cleverly) SightSpace Free-D. If you'd like to see what all the fuss is about, this is a great way to try it out.

The free version allows you to load in up to 3 models, which must be in KMZ format (SketchUp free and Pro both have KMZ export). You can also use their very cool Augmented Reality feature, which means placing a model on a specific background. For example, you can place a couch model in your actual living room, place the Statue of Liberty, in your actual back yard, etc. (Augmented Reality doesn't work on Kindle Fire, though.)

The app can be found here in the iTunes store. You can load up your app with some extras, such as 3D Warehouse download, annotations, or bookmarks (99cents each), Augmented Reality, unlimited models, or advanced viewer ($4.99 each). For $14.99 you can unlock to get the full app: all of the SightSpace 3D features.

According to some reviews I've read, SightSpace might not be ideal for large, commercial-scale models. (But if you're designing a shopping mall, you're probably not making changes in the field on your iPad.) I see this more as a small-model convenience - perfect for interior designers, home-improvement contractors, architects of residential projects, and of course students and teachers. I can totally envision a class of kids showing off their robot models on it.

About Me

My goal is to get everyone to think, visualize, and create in 3D. You're never too old or too young - my materials are great for kids as young as 8, and for design pros throughout their careers. I live in DC with my wonderful family.